"I am really looking forward to be involved in various additional activities in future as a result of this collaboration, and I look forward to a more positive transformation of higher education in terms of learning, research, innovation, and community services," Rector of IPB University Professor Arif Satria noted in a press release here on Saturday.
The cooperation between IPB University and CIFOR-ICRAF was renewed during a joint virtual meeting on Tuesday (May 4).
The online meeting was initiated by Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Dr Mohamad Hery Saripudin.
Satria warmly welcomed the meeting and believed that the two institutions had huge opportunities for cooperation.
IPB University has actively forged cooperation with various parties to expand local, regional, and global impacts, according to the rector.
In 2016, IPB University had renewed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on scientific and technical cooperation, and the MoU will expire on July 20, 2021. Hence, the university is keen to renew it and involve the CIFOR-ICRAF research center.
Executive Director of CIFOR-ICRAF Dr Tony Simons in his remarks lauded Dr Mohamad Hery for encouraging cooperation between Indonesia and Kenya as well as with other countries in Africa.
As a research institution, CIFOR-ICRAF also has adequate facilities and resources to be able to collaborate extensively.
He also noted that as Indonesia readies to take over as the G20 host next year, it would make the nation more developed and offer several opportunities. Hence, it is a good occasion for Indonesia to "show off", he stated.
One of last year's G20 initiatives was reducing land degradation and habitat loss declared by Saudi Arabia, according to Simons.
“UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) has commissioned CIFOR-ICRAF to lead the development strategy and three-year operational plan. Hence, I think this can be a good opportunity to bring experts from IPB University in terms of consultations to carry out co-branded initiatives for Indonesia and Africa through the encouragement of Dr. Hery as the Indonesian ambassador to Kenya," he remarked.
He is certain that the cooperation between CIFOR-ICRAF and IPB University would proffer positive benefits to the world.
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
